Method and apparatus for an integrated distributed MEMS based control system

Abstract

An integrated distributed control system incorporates a plurality of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) modules formed into a functional network which is in turn integrated into a management network. The functional network is configured to sense a condition such as an operating characteristic of a machine or the temperature within an area and to provide control functions to effect changes in the condition.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of and / or priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 556,119, filed Mar. 25, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to control systems, such as control systems used to control heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fire safety, lighting, security and other systems or machinery of a building or facility.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (“HVAC”) systems are used in all types of commercial, industrial and residential facilities (hereinafter referred to as “buildings”). In general, the HVAC system is designed to maintain various predetermined set points, such as temperature. To that end, a system that generates hot air may be controlled on or off depending on the need for heat in a particular location. The supply of conditioned air (hot or cold) may further be controlled by the use of dampers within the air supply system. In larger buildings, the dampers may b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an integrated and distributed micro electromechanical system (MEMS) based control system. This system can determine the condition of a machine and control it based on the determined condition. Additionally, it can control the amount of conditioned air provided to a micro-area within a building by controlling a distributed thermal plant. The method involves transmitting signals from an electromechanical system module to a network, receiving the signals, and controlling the amount of conditioned air based on the received signals. The technical effects of this invention include improved efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness in controlling machines and buildings.

Problems solved by technology

The result is reduced efficiency, additional material cost, and additional space requirements for a given HVAC system.

While this is effective, it results in undesired variances in temperature.

The result is reduced efficiency, additional material cost, and additional space requirements for a given HVAC system.

Some of the above limitations result from the approach used to regulate, monitor and control the various machines as well as environmental and safety aspects of buildings.

Typical sensor devices for such uses are expensive.

Such limited sensing results in large temperature differentials throughout the space.

Such temperature differentials result not only in reduced comfort for the individuals in the building, but also reduced efficiency in the HVAC system as discussed above.

The above illustration is indicative of a larger problem with prior art building control systems.

Namely, prior art building control systems are designed to operate with very limited knowledge of the building that they are incorporated into.

There is little understanding within the building control system of the activities within and around the building that affect the environment such as weather conditions, the operating status of machinery and equipment, or the number of people in the building.

Yet, prior art buildings contribute little to the active control over the internal environment.

Images